The Revolution of Birdie Randolph

Starred review from June 3, 2019
Stonewall Award–winner Colbert (Little & Lion) does not disappoint with this coming-of-age story of a young black woman from Chicago. Dove “Birdie” Randolph, 16, is a model teen, until her mother’s sister, who has been in and out of rehab, arrives for a stay. Struggling with a need for autonomy and frustrated with her controlling mother, Birdie samples her first alcoholic beverage and hides the existence of her new boyfriend, sweet ex-juvie inmate Booker, for whom she’s fallen fast. Birdie forges a close relationship with her aunt while concealing her behavior from her mom, but when Birdie’s decisions catch up to her, revealing a hidden truth about her parents, Birdie’s world and newfound agency crumble. Despite occasionally predictable plotting, Colbert creates a unique cast of well-developed characters navigating responsibility, grief, racial profiling, and addiction. Providing a great deal of entertainment as Birdie’s inexperience lands her in awkward situations, this thrilling tale of first love explores what it means to be held to an impossible standard and still learn to live an authentic life. Ages 12–up. Agent: Tina Wexler, ICM Partners.

Narrator Andrea Lang gives voice to Chicago teen Dove "Birdie" Randolph. While striving for perfection to please her parents, she also bristles at their rigid expectations. Secretly dating a boy her parents would not approve of and becoming close with her estranged aunt, Birdie builds new relationships. When revelations of family secrets shock the teen, she questions her view of everything she knew about herself. Lang's pleasant voice sounds appropriate for Birdie; however, uneven pacing, when coupled with a flat tone and frequently indistinguishable characters, fails to capture the listener's attention. Though Lang provides a straightforward performance, her mostly monotone narration makes it easy to miss changes in scenes. A.L.S.M. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine